Here's why people are talking about dogs at polling stations

Kirby the retired guide dog "taking his human" to a polling station in Southport.

What's a British election without dogs at polling stations?

Our favourite voting tradition is trending again, with voters flocking to social media to share photos of their pups at polling stations.

But just what are the rules on taking your dogs along to vote?

Dogs have stood devotedly at Brits' sides since well before the days of parliamentary democracy, so it's no surprise many wish to bring them along to vote.

Official rules state you can take your dog and they CAN enter pollling stations - in an accompanying role. That is, they aren't allowed to roam freely inside or otherwise disrupt the vote.

What about other pets?

Pets charity Blue Cross says: "Horses and ponies should be tethered up outside the polling station.

"No guidance has been issued by the Electoral Commission on any other animals, so it’s best to ask the presiding officers should you wish to bring your cat or other pet along with you."

Can you take a photo of your dog at the vote?

Yes.

But it really is probably best you don’t as voting should be done in secret and it is against the law to communicate information about how someone has voted, is about to vote, or to communicate the unique ID ballot paper number; all things that may end up in the frame if you’re snapping away with booths in the background.